POLICE are investigating a fatal mining incident which occurred on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, about 14:45hrs at Chi Chi Backdam, Upper Mazaruni River, resulting in the death of Ryan Roberts, a 25-year-old miner of Kwaimatta Village, North Rupununi, Region Nine.

“Preliminary enquiries revealed that the deceased was working in a mining pit along with other workers when a water hose reportedly burst. While efforts were being made to secure the working area, a portion of the land suddenly collapsed.

“The other workers managed to escape from the pit; however, Roberts was covered by the collapsed soil. He was later dug out by the workers but was found unresponsive,” police said in a statement.

The body was taken to the Chinowing Health Centre, where it was examined and pronounced dead on arrival by a Medex on duty.

The body is presently at Chi Chi Airstrip awaiting transportation to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation mortuary.